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Two Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to Visit China in Continuation of the Process to Deepen contacts with the Chinese

September 15, 2004

The Tibetan government-in-exile, based in Dharamsala, India, issued a press release on Saturday announcing that the Dalai Lama's envoys, Mr. Lodi Gyari and Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen, would depart on Sunday for China. The trip will be their third, following visits in September 2002 and May 2003. According to the announcement, the delegation "may visit some Tibetan areas" in addition to meeting with Chinese leaders. Lodi Gyari, based in Washington, and Kalsang Gyaltsen, the Dalai Lama's envoy for Europe, will be accompanied by senior aids. The Dalai Lama's quest for a resolution to the Tibet issue through direct dialogue enjoys broad international support, including from the U.S. Congress and Administration. The Dalai Lama has said that Chinese sovereignty over Tibetan areas is acceptable if Tibetans enjoy genuine autonomy.

Two Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama to visit China in continuation of the process to deepen contacts with the Chinese leadership
DHARAMSALA, 11 September 2004: In the absence of Kalon Tripa, Professor Samdhong Rinpoche, Kalon Thupten Lungrik, the kalon for the Departments of Religion and Culture, and Education, this evening informed the members of the Assembly of the Tibetan People’s Deputies which is presently in session that the two Envoys of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, accompanied by two senior assistants, will visit China this month.

Mr. Lodi Gyaltsen Gyari, accompanied by Mr. Kelsang Gyaltsen, along with two senior assistants, Mr. Sonam Norbu Dagpo and Mr. Bhuchung Tsering, will depart from New Delhi on 12 September to meet Chinese leaders. They may visit some Tibetan areas during the trip.